Refining
Japanese refinery runs at lowest since June 2025 on Middle East supply crisis
Japan began to partially release oil stockpiles from March 16.
Venezuela's refineries down to 31% of crude processing capacity
The South American country has increased oil output and exports since it agreed to a flagship supply pact with the U.S. government in January, but limited power service, outages and need for major repairs and maintenance are creating obstacles to recovering refining operations.
Climate Investment leads $27-MM Series B investment in Membrane Technology and Research (MTR) to scale its use in industrial applications
This funding will enable MTR to continue its leadership in membrane research and development, expand manufacturing capacity, and accelerate the deployment of its fully commercialized membrane technologies that provide economical solutions for hydrocarbon recovery, hydrogen separation, natural gas sweetening, and fuel gas conditioning.
Trump's shipping waiver does not boost oil flows within U.S.; fuel exports soar
Last month, Trump waived Jones Act limitations for 60 days starting March 17, hoping the move would help tame the surge in fuel prices caused by the Iran war by increasing shipments from the U.S. Gulf Coast to other coastal markets in the country.
India's Reliance buys Venezuelan oil directly from PDVSA
Since Caracas signed a flagship oil supply deal with Washington after the U.S. capture of President Nicolas Maduro in January, only a small group of companies have been able to buy cargoes directly from PDVSA.
Japan to boost intermediate chemical imports amid tighter naphtha supply
About 40% of domestic naphtha consumption is met by domestic production, with another 40% sourced from the Middle East and 20% from other regions, but the war in the Middle East has made imports from that region difficult.
- Bechtel greenlit for Sabine Pass Liquefaction expansion in Southwest Louisiana (U.S.) 5/29
- Philippines receives rare Iranian crude cargo after wartime disruption 5/29
- Gazprom and Sibur resume talks on possible ethane project to supply additional feedstock to the Kazanorgsintez petrochemicals plant 5/29
- European Commission debates policy shift to protect industry from China 5/29
- Mitsui seeks LNG investments to meet power demand from data centers 5/29
- Kenyan government backs Gulf fuel supply deals after opposition criticism 5/29

